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Why World Heritage?

Welcome to the Wadden Sea World Heritage

The Wadden Sea is the largest tidal flats system in the world, where natural processes proceed undisturbed. It extends along the coasts of Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands.

For its globally unique geological and ecological values the Wadden Sea is listed by UNESCO as World Heritage. Nowhere else in the world is there such a dynamic landscape with a multitude of habitats, shaped by wind and tides. Global biodiversity is reliant on the Wadden Sea.

In the framework of the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands take on the responsibility of preserving this irreplaceable ecosystem for the benefit of present and future generations.

Highlights – projects of the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation

Celebrating 10 years World Heritage

International cooperation

With the inscription of sites on the World Heritage List, UNESCO aims to promote international collaboration between sites and countries. This philosophy has a long heritage in the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation.

Trilateral Monitoring and Assessment Programme (TMAP)

TMAP is the joint monitoring programme of the Wadden Sea states. Launched in 1997, the programme spans a broad range of topics, such as morphology, ecological processes, wildlife and human activities.

Environmental education

Almost all visitor centers in the World Heritage region offer educational activities on the nature and culture of the Wadden Sea. The International Wadden Sea School unites educators along the Wadden Sea coast.

Fact

43 people

The island of Neuwerk, which is part of the National Park Hamburg Wadden Sea, is the only inhabited area in the Wadden Sea World Heritage site, with only 43 people living there.